Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: What tools do you carry in your Bus on a daily basis?
From:Karl F. Bloss
Date:Thu, 26 Oct 2000 23:32:26 -0400

I carry a single toolbox with most of what I need for roadside and driveway
repairs.  That way I can switch it from one van to the other.

What I use most are combination box/open wrenches...mostly 10, 13, and 17mm and
sockets of the same size.  Don't forget a 19mm (or 3/4") for the spare tire
bolt.

Various screwdrivers and one of those magnetic bolt-fishing tools with a mirror
on the other end.  Oil filter wrench, hammer, and 3/8" breaker bar (really
cute, but useful...slip a pipe over the end for more leverage).  All this stuff
is Craftsman.  If I bust something, I can take it back to any Sears for a
replacement.  So far, I've only had to do that with screwdrivers.

Also picked up over the years and in the box are 6mm hex socket (e.g. A/C
compressor bracket, etc), 17mm tranny plug tool (Bus Depot), spark plug gapping
tool, 24mm deepwell socket for oil pressure sender, OXS socket with cutout for
the wire, pliers with cutting surface, needlenose pliers, vise grips, and
really big washers as a screwdriver-type tool for the oil pressure relief valve.

I also carry spare fuel line (7mm and 5mm), worm clamps, etc. mostly left over
form fuel line jobs and under the back seat as a logical place for the
leftovers.  They've come in handy for helping others.

Sounds like a lot, but it really fits into a normal-sized carryable toolbox
(not a huge mechanics rolling box, mind you).  :-)

-Karl

Karl & Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'00 Wannabusser "Julia"
'87 Weekender "Bev" - 201K Miles
'85 Westy Camper "Fred" - 39K Miles
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw - vanagon@makarov.com
VW Shop List: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops
PA/NJ/DE/MD area VW bus "group" http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/pavanagon
LINUX - for IQs higher than 98